MichiganRadio

"Complete Streets" Laws Near Completion ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) - A bill intended to make Michigan roadways safer for everyone - not just motor vehicles -- is moving ahead in Lansing.

The "complete streets" measure encourages municipal planners to think of more than just cars and trucks when it comes to transportation.

The idea is to make roads easier and safer for everybody, including pedestrians, bicyclists and the elderly.

State Representative Pam Byrnes is a sponsor of the measure.

"This helps for the downtown areas, because it encourages pedestrian traffic to your downtown stores, and for those people who can't drive, it gives them access to those businesses, and it helps people get to work, to the doctor, to shopping centers," Byrnes says.

Byrnes says the "complete streets" law would help the economy and help encourage active lifestyles by promoting bicycling and walking.

The bill could come to a vote next Wednesday,and then head back to the House for approval of the changes.
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